Central Coast Council is pleased to confirm the makeup of its Aboriginal Advisory Committee which was officially endorsed at Tuesday night’s Council meeting.

The Aboriginal Advisory Committee has a mandate to advise Council staff on identified issues that impact on local First Nations people, address relevant social issues identified in the Community Strategic Plan, and work to address outcomes aligned to the recently developed Central Coast Council First Nations Accord

Significant interest was received earlier this year when Council called for expressions of interest in a position on the committee with the following residents successfully appointed as members.

•    Phillip Bligh
•    BJ Duncan
•    Steve Ella
•    Colleen Fuller
•    Vickie Parry
•    Jake McDonald
•    Monica McKenzie
•    Shahni Wellington
•    Wayne Merritt (alternate)

Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the committee will play an important role with providing advice to Council.

“The Aboriginal Advisory Committee is important in reconciling Council with our local First Nations People and they will provide advice to us across a number of issues but are not a decision making body.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said he is pleased with the makeup of the committee and each member brings diversity of experience and knowledge.

“There was an outstanding pool of candidates who expressed their interest in being appointed to Council’s inaugural Aboriginal Advisory Committee,” Mr Hart said.

“The appointed members represent significant experience and interests across a broad sector of our local Aboriginal community, with extensive experience in critical service provision such as health, education, housing, arts, culture and sport.

“I am confident that the appointed members share a desire to make our community a better place and will bring great credit to the role.”